What's the best way to share house rules and local tips with guests?
A digital guidebook is the most effective way to share house rules and local tips. With BetterSTR, organize everything clearly in a mobile-friendly format that guests can access anytime. Include house rules, Wi-Fi passwords, restaurant recommendations, emergency contacts, and update instantly from anywhere.
Comparing Methods to Share Information
Digital Guidebook
✅ Always accessible on phones
✅ Update instantly
✅ Interactive maps
✅ Searchable content
✅ Multi-language support
✅ No physical items to lose
Best for: All modern rentals
Printed Binder
❌ Can't update remotely
❌ Gets lost or damaged
❌ Not mobile-friendly
❌ Printing costs add up
✅ No tech required
Best for: Tech-averse guests only
Text Messages (SMS)
✅ Direct to guest's phone
✅ High open rates (98%)
✅ Perfect for guidebook links
✅ Only 10¢ per message
✅ Automated timing options
⚠️ Best combined with digital guide
Best for: Sending guidebook links at check-in
Organizing House Rules Effectively
Example: Clear House Rules Structure
🏠 General Rules
Check-in: 3 PM | Check-out: 11 AM
Maximum occupancy: 6 guests
No smoking inside (designated area on patio)
No parties or events
🔇 Quiet Hours
10 PM - 8 AM weekdays
11 PM - 9 AM weekends
Pool/hot tub closes at 10 PM
🅿️ Parking
2 spaces in driveway (spots #3 and #4)
Street parking available (no permit needed)
Best Ways to Share Local Tips
Restaurant Recommendations
Include cuisine type, price range, and your personal favorites
Coffee & Breakfast
Morning spots with hours and specialties
Grocery & Essentials
Nearest stores with directions
Activities & Attractions
Things to do with booking links
Family-Friendly
Parks, playgrounds, kid activities
Nightlife
Bars, clubs, entertainment venues
Example: Effective Local Tip
🍕 Tony's Pizza - Our Favorite!
📍 123 Main St (5-minute walk)
💰 $$ - Moderate pricing
⏰ Open 11 AM - 10 PM
⭐ Try the "Margherita Special" - it's amazing!
📞 (555) 123-4567 for takeout
Best Practices for Sharing Information
✅ DO:
Be Clear and Concise - Guests skim, don't read novels
Use Visual Cues - Icons and formatting help navigation
Prioritize Important Info - Wi-Fi and check-out first
Include Contact Info - Emergency numbers prominent
Add Personal Touch - "Our favorite..." creates connection
Update Regularly - Restaurant closed? Remove it
❌ DON'T:
Overwhelm with Rules - Focus on essential ones
Use Threatening Language - Be firm but friendly
Hide Important Info - Make it easy to find
Forget Mobile Users - 95% read on phones
Pro Tip: Combine Digital Guide + SMS
The Perfect Combination
Create your digital guidebook with all house rules and local tips, then use BetterSTR's SMS feature to send the link directly to guests' phones at the perfect time:
2 hours before check-in: "Hi! Your guide is ready: [link]. It has Wi-Fi, house rules & local tips!"
Day after check-in: "Enjoying your stay? Find restaurant recommendations in your guide: [link]"
Day before checkout: "Checkout is at 11 AM tomorrow. See full instructions: [link]"
Cost: Only 10¢ per message - less than the cost of printing one page!
Why Digital Beats Physical
Guest Perspective:
"I love when hosts have digital guides. I can check restaurant hours on my phone while I'm out instead of going back to flip through a binder."
Host Perspective:
"I updated the Wi-Fi password from my phone while on vacation. No calling neighbors to swap out printed sheets!"
Creating Your Digital Guide
Here's how to organize your information effectively:
Start with Essentials
Wi-Fi name and password
Check-out procedures
Emergency contacts
Add House Rules
Group by category (quiet hours, parking, etc.)
Use positive language when possible
Explain the "why" for better compliance
Include Local Favorites
Your personal recommendations carry weight
Include variety (food, activities, services)
Add practical details (hours, prices, distance)
Make it Scannable
Use headers and sections
Add icons for visual appeal
Keep paragraphs short
💡 Pro Tip: The 5-Second Rule
Guests should find any critical information within 5 seconds of opening your guide. Put Wi-Fi, checkout time, and your contact at the very top!
Start Sharing Better
Create a professional digital guide that guests actually use
Digital guides have higher engagement than printed materials. With clear organization and mobile access, guests are more likely to reference rules when needed. You can also mention key rules in your check-in message with a link to the full guide.
Should I include prices for local recommendations?
Yes! Include price ranges ($ - $$$$) to help guests choose options within their budget. This prevents awkward situations and improves their experience.
How much local information is too much?
Quality over quantity. Include 3-5 recommendations per category (restaurants, activities, etc.) with personal notes about why you recommend them. Too many options overwhelm guests.
Can I share the same guide for multiple properties?
Each property should have its own guide with specific house rules and local recommendations. However, you can use templates to quickly create guides for similar properties in the same area.
Is SMS messaging worth the 10¢ cost?
Absolutely! SMS has a 98% open rate and ensures guests receive your guidebook link at the perfect time. Most hosts find it reduces questions and improves reviews, making it excellent value at just 10¢ per message.
The Bottom Line
Digital guidebooks are the modern solution for sharing house rules and local tips. They're always accessible, instantly updatable, and provide a better experience for both hosts and guests. No more lost binders, outdated information, or printing costs.